Stewardship and Giving (part 2)

Basic principles of stewardship and giving.

Paul laid out general principles of stewardship and giving in 1 Corinthians 16 and 2 Corinthians 8-9.

From 1 Corinthians 16

Each believer responsible to give–”each of you” 16:2
Planned and given regularly 16:2
Proportional giving 16:2
This process would prevent the need for an ineffective collection or for a “pressured” appeal to the givers. 16:4

From 2 Corinthians 8-9

8:1-5

Sacrificial giving
- Proportional–”according to their ability”
- Sacrificial–”beyond their ability”
Joyful giving
- Their poverty no more impeded their generosity than their tribulation diminished their joy.
Key–not the size of the gift but the attitude of the giver

Summary
- Generous beyond their means
- Acted on their own initiative
- Gave not only financially but gave themselves

8:9-12

Willingness to give should be evidenced by actual giving
Paul had challenged them to give in 1 Corinthians, they had stopped because of a conflict, now that the conflict was solved, it was time for them to finish what they started.
When the giver is willing–heart attitude–than the proportional gift is acceptable.

9:5-15

Give Generously 9:5-6
Give freely (without compulsion) 9:7
Give cheerfully 9:7
Giving is an act of faith 9:8
- God provides for the giver. Â So give liberally, and live on what is left by God’s supply.
Giving results in praise and thanksgiving to God 9:11-15
- Their gift would supply the needs of the needy 9:12
- Their gift would cause the recipient and others to praise God 9:11b, 12b, 13, 15
- Notice that praise is offered less for the gift itself than for the spiritual virtues of the donors expressed in the gift.
Giving is an acknowledgment that what we have is God 9:15

Key Point:Â The focus of New Testament giving is not on a percentage but proportional to income.

Summary

From Andy Stanley “Fields of Gold”

Steve Kilgore